Basket-making is Manistique Lake Effect Class for December

November 15, 2012

MANISTIQUE - Just in time for the holidays, Lake Effect Arts of Manistique will offer a chance to make a tall basket, just the size to hold two bottles of wine or one bottle and a baguette: a perfect gift or to add to any home decor.

Susan Vaniman of Germfask, who recently taught a market basket class, will again be teaching. Held in the Ed Havitz Room at Habitat for Humanity, 401 Deer Street, the class will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8.

An experienced basket maker and teacher for more than 20 years, Vaniman began her basket-weaving career in Kansas as a student in a class such as this one. As the class progressed, she and a friend realized they enjoyed the experience and felt they could continue on their own. Buying basket patterns, trying them out, creating their own patterns, buying and experimenting with materials and dyeing, they continued to improve.

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Courtesy photo

Pictured is a sample of a tall basket that will be made by individuals who take part in a basket-making class sponsored by Manistique Lake Effect Arts.

Unlike the first basket class where the reeds were natural color and the baskets were accented with colored stripes, these baskets will be made of reeds in two colors accented by natural. Since Vaniman will cut and dye the reeds in advance, participants will need to make color choices as they register. Possible color combinations will include: wine and green, rust and brown, and navy and teal. She will also have raffia lengths available to create bows for the baskets, if desired.

Cost for the class is $45 for non-members and $40.50 for members. All participants will pay the $12 supply fee, which includes all materials and tools needed.

Participants only need to bring themselves, an apron or work shirt that might become stained, and a lunch as, work time being short, the group will continue to work as they eat. Vaniman says she has only ever had one student who did not finish by the end of the day. Once completed, baskets are sprayed with a clear finish or light stain to help preserve and age the look of the baskets.

Information about membership and future classes as well as the registration form for this class are available online at http://lakeeffectarts.

org/classes/default.html or by contacting Mindy Asp (906) 450-5777 or Stephanie Reese (906) 283-1001. Final day to register is Friday, Nov. 30.